You can’t ever accuse James Franklin of not being personable.
The Virginia Tech head coach produced one of the more awkward and bizarre press conference moments seen in quite some time while addressing the media ahead of his team’s trip to Maryland on Saturday.
It all began when Michael Howes of the Baltimore Sun introduced himself over Zoom with his name and affiliation before asking the veteran coach a question, only Franklin wasn’t going to let him ask his question until they exchanged pleasantries.
Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin congratulates Hokies offensive lineman Brody Meadows (77) and long snapper Christian Epling (96) during a college football game between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the Virginia Tech Hokies on September 12, 2026, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. (Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Before Howes could even begin laying out his question, Franklin said, “Hey, Michael,” trying to, apparently, get his attention and ask how he was doing. When Howes didn’t pause, Franklin said, “Hey, Michael” again, and again, and again.
In total, the head coach uttered the phrase five times before finally getting Howes’ attention and asking him how he was doing. Franklin was clearly just trying to be nice, but that doesn’t mean the moment wasn’t also cringeworthy.
Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin gestures from the sidelines during a college football game between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the Virginia Tech Hokies on September 12, 2026, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. (Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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While sharing the clip on X, Howes explained that he couldn’t actually see Franklin on the Zoom call, which led him to believe there was some sort of audio glitch happening. A totally fair assumption, with Franklin repeating the same phrase over and over again.
Franklin’s tenure with the Hokies has gotten off to a perfect 2-0 start with wins over VMI and Old Dominion, but his new program will be taking quite a step up in competition this weekend with its visit to Maryland to take on the unbeaten Big Ten squad.
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Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Mylachi Williams (37), head coach James Franklin, and defensive lineman Aycen Stevens (42) charge onto the field before kickoff prior to a college football game between the VMI Keydets and the Virginia Tech Hokies on September 5, 2026, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. (Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The Hokies have scored a combined 117 points in their opening two games of the season, while Maryland’s defense has allowed just 14 points so far this year.
Aside from Franklin’s team scoring 73 points in its season opener against VMI, the head coach made headlines by questioning officials for throwing a flag after running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. celebrated with cadets after scoring a touchdown in the blowout.